A new law will require California to get 33% of its energy from renewable sources by the end of 2020. (Getty Images)

(Newser)
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California is poised to enact a law that will require the state to get 33% of its power from renewable sources by the end of 2020—well up from its current target of 20%, and by far the most in the nation, reports the AP. "Instead of watching from the sidelines, America needs to get back in the clean energy race, and that's exactly what California is doing," said a spokeswoman for the Department of Energy.

California business groups estimate that the shift will raise energy costs by another 7%. "Industry in California already pays electricity rates about 50% higher than the rest of the country," said a spokesman for a manufacturers association. "With 33%, those rates are going to go up even more." But Gov. Jerry Brown said that pollution and security issues were worth the added expense. "I know one thing: Being dependent on foreign fossil fuel is not good for our economy, it's not good for our security, and it's not good for our climate," said Brown. "We have to be bold."

"California business groups estimate that the shift will raise energy costs by another 7%. "Industry in California already pays electricity rates about 50% higher than the rest of the country," said a spokesman for a manufacturers association. "With 33%, those rates are going to go up even more." And people in California think this is Good? Oh, that right you like $5 a gallon gasoline as well.

theolddog

Apr 12, 2011 8:29 AM CDT

well the last few manufacturing companies are going to pull up and leave. there simply will be no good paying jobs outside of the movie industry which already films outside of the state. hope all those wonderful folks in east LA can afford the new taxes. oh, I forgot, they don't pay taxes anyway in a cash economy. before they get to 33% they will change the official language of the state to Spanish.